Drugs, EU green light for a new therapy for atopic dermatitis

European Commission green light for upadacitinib (Rinvoq *, AbbVie), a selective and reversible oral Jak-inhibitor, for the treatment of adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older who suffer from moderate to severe atopic dermatitis and are candidates for systemic therapy. In adults, the recommended dose is 15 or 30 milligrams once a day, based on the patient’s characteristics – the American company informs in a note – while in adolescents aged 12 to 17 years and over 65 it is 15 mg once. per day. The drug can be used alone or in combination with topical corticosteroids. Specialists define it as a treatment capable of modifying the course of the disease, and hope that it will soon arrive in Italy. “We welcome the European approval of upadacitinib, which represents a further important step forward for the scientific community – declares Ketty Peris, president Sidemast (Italian Society of Medical, Surgical, Aesthetic Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Diseases) – Doctors have need these innovative therapies to help patients better treat and manage such a complex and multifactorial disease as atopic dermatitis. We hope that this new and promising therapeutic option will soon be made available in Italy “.” Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory disease very frequent chronic skin affecting about 10% of adults and 25% of children – recalls Monica Corazza, president of Sidapa (Italian Society of Professional and Environmental Allergological Dermatology) – It manifests itself with redness and often intense and sometimes uncontrollable itching. more severe cases the inflammation and itching can impact me mpente on the quality of life. There is an evident clinical need still unmet for patients with this pathology, but science and research in recent years have made great progress allowing to develop more targeted and selective therapeutic solutions “. Experts, ‘can modify therapy, be made available soon in Italy’ The EU approval – explained in the note – is supported by the results of one of the largest phase 3 development programs in atopic dermatitis, which involved over 2,500 adults and adolescents with moderate to severe disease. ” an oral drug with a remarkable rapidity of action, both on itching and on skin lesions – underlines Francesco Cusano, president of Adoi (Association of Italian hospital dermatologists) – With upadacitinib relief from itching is already achieved after a few days from the start of treatment and results remain constant over time. The clinical trial data are very encouraging. Upadacitinib is a candidate to be a treatment capable of partially or completely modifying the course of atopic dermatitis through a new mechanism of action “.” Atopic dermatitis has a great physical, social and psycho-emotional impact – highlights Mario Picozza, president Andea (National Association of Atopic Dermatitis) – Itching, pain, self-isolation, insomnia, depression, stress and social stigma are just some of the consequences that people with atopic dermatitis experience on a daily basis. The quality of their life today can significantly improve thanks to new therapeutic solutions. Our appeal is that the institutions favor rapid and equitable access to upadacitinib in Italy, a new treatment option for atopic dermatitis. “With the authorization of the European Commission – concludes AbbVie – it follows that Rinvoq is now authorized for marketing in all EU member states, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Northern Ireland. The drug is already approved for the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in Russia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, New Zealand and Chile , and is currently under review by the FDA in the United States.